𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲: “𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸” — Abuja Singer’s Friend Mourns!

𝗦𝗻𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝗶𝘁𝗲: “𝗜 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸” — Abuja Singer’s Friend Mourns!

Reported By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan ( Editor -in- chief) | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Abuja — Aspiring Nigerian singer Ifunanya “Nanyah” Nwangene has tragically died after suffering a snake bite at her home in the Lugbe area of Abuja. The young vocalist, known for her soulful voice and rising star status, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Jabi, following complications from the venomous bite.

Ifunanya, 25, was a soprano singer with the Amemuso Choir and had gained wider recognition after her memorable appearances on The Voice Nigeria.

Final Moments and Friend’s Account

A close friend and choir colleague described her final hours as heartbreaking. According to Sam Ezugwu, music director of the Amemuso Choir, friends and medical personnel fought desperately to save her life after the snake bite. Ezugwu said he begged God to bring her back as her condition deteriorated, with the young singer struggling to breathe even after being rushed to medical facilities.

Another friend, Hillary Obinna, recounted that Ifunanya was asleep when the snake struck, and two snakes were later found in the house following the incident.

Race Against Time for Treatment

Following the bite, Ifunanya reportedly sought treatment at a nearby clinic that did not have antivenom, before being transferred to FMC Abuja. At the hospital, medical staff administered emergency care, including resuscitation and anti-snake venom, but her condition continued to worsen.

Ezugwu disclosed that medical personnel informed him that two doses of anti-venom were needed, but only one was available immediately. He went in search of the other dose, but by the time he returned, she had died.

Hospital Responds to Allegations

In response to public outcry and allegations of negligence and inadequate medical supplies, FMC Abuja issued an official statement denying any failure in treatment. The hospital’s head of clinical services, Dr. Bioku Muftau, said Ms. Nwangene died from severe neurotoxic complications caused by the snake bite, and not due to a lack of anti-venom or negligence by medical staff.

The hospital stated that all appropriate emergency protocols were followed — including the administration of polyvalent snake antivenom, intravenous fluids, and oxygen support — but her condition suddenly deteriorated before she could be moved to intensive care.

Public Reaction and Healthcare Debate

The death of Ifunanya has sparked a wave of grief across social media and renewed national debates about emergency healthcare capacity in Nigeria, particularly the availability of life-saving drugs like snake antivenom in public hospitals. Many Nigerians have criticised broader systemic issues that they say contributed to preventable loss of life.

Ifunanya’s funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Amemuso Choir, which has described her loss as a devastating blow to the music community.

Citation:

1.https://thenationonlineng.net/snakebite-choir-details-how-abuja-singer-ifunanya-nwangene-died/

2.The Nation Newspaper
https://www.thecable.ng/abuja-singer-nanyah-dies-of-snake-bite-after-hospital-failed-to-administer-second-dose-of-anti-venom/

3.TheCable
https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/853766-how-singer-ifunanya-nwagene-died-abuja-hospital.html

4.Premium Times Nigeria
https://punchng.com/nigerian-music-star-ifunanya-dies-after-snake-bite/

5.Punch Newspapers
https://punchng.com/snake-bite-fmc-denies-negligence-in-abuja-singers-death/

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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